No law that Congress passes has real consequences for Congress. Their nonsense and its costs are borne only by the tax payers.
The New York Times summarized the latest outcome from our distinguished (in their own minds) Congress:
Congress on Tuesday approved yet another temporary spending bill, this one running through March 4, the fourth such stopgap measure since the fiscal year ended Sept. 30. The effective spending freeze amounts to a reduction when rising costs are taken into account — a welcome outcome to many Republicans — and disrupts the government’s ability to carry out programs and policy changes.
Nice reporting because it will make those who believe we are spending too much feel better. But should it?
The Times tells us that this is the fourth such stopgap measure this year. Would it be improper to ask how we are doing against the first three? You are supposed to be satisfied with the fact that something passed. It is unreasonable to evaluate in terms of results. The purpose is to placate (con) citizens rather than solve a problem.
That is why nothing Congress does has meaningful “or-else” provisions. Simply stated, an or “else-provision” is a consequence which is automatically incurred if targets are unmet. Congress does not think in these terms because it would upset the game of “fool the peons” and prevent Congress from acting without constraints and irresponsibly.
In a piece entitled Put Uncle Sam on an Allowance a framework to change the orientation of Congress based on some simple “or-else” provisions was suggested. That is the kind of action required if we are to see any change in Washington.
Don’t count on it.
